Adjustable chair.



M. L. GROMER. ADJUSTABLE CHAIR.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. ll 1912- 1 ,1 1 7,979.

Patented Nov. 24, 1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

THE NDRRIS PETERS Cc.. PHoTO-LITHO., WASHINGTON, D. C.

M. L. CROMER. ADJUSTABLE CHAIR. APPLICATION FILED' NOV. 11, 1912. 1,1 1 7,979. Patented Nov/124, 1914.

2 SHEBTS-SHEET 2. -N w Z `7` K N y l v I?.

q` g 1.-. i /v I' 9 Il" ,N "5 O `-7- l l; "l ne lil E n "'3 E' li' THE MORRIS PETERS CD.. PHOTO-LITHO.. WASHINGTON. D. 1:.

UNITED STATES PATENT oEEicE.

MARTIN L. CROMER, OF STURGIS, MICHIGAN.

ADJUSTABLE CHAIR.

speeication of Letters raient. Patented NV 24:, 1914 Application led `November 1.1, 1912. Serial No. 730,653.

I First, to provide an improved adjustable chair which may be easily adjusted by the occupant of the chair to any position within its scope of adjustment. vide an improved adjustable chair embodying these advantages, in which the mechanism operates automatically and is operated by the disposition of the weight of the occupant.` Third, to provide in an adjustable chair means for locking the parts` intheir normal position which is automatically released by the weight of the person sitting in the chair. Fourth, to provide an improved adjustable chair which is simple and economical in structure and has no delicate parts to-be broken or` disarranged in use.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, will definitely appear from the detailed description to'follow.

. I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification. The invention isv clearly dened and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment, of my invention is clearly illustrated `in the accompanying drawing formingl a part of this specification, in which: Figure I is a front perspective view of a chair embodying the features of my invention. Fig. II is a vertical central section from front to rear. Fig. III is a vertical transverse section on a line -corresponding to line 3 3 of Fig. II; Fig. IV is a. detaiI View showing the seat and back in one adjustment, they frame being shown invertical section. Fig. V is a detail section on a line 'corresponding to line 5-5 of Fig. IV, showing details of the back supporting hinge. 'F ig. VI is a detail section on aline corresponding to line 6-6 of Fig. V. Fig. VII is a detail vertical section on a line corresponding to line 7-7 of Fig. VIII, showing structural details of the back supporting arm. Fig. VIII is a transverse section of the back supporting arm, on a line .corresponding to line 8-8-of Fig. VII. Fig. IX

Second, to prois a detail vertical section on a line corresponding to thefbroken line 9-9 of Fig. III, showing details of the catch. Fig. X is a detail section on a line corresponding to line 10-10 of Fig. IV, showing details of the seat hinge or pivot. Fig. XI is a detail section corresponding to that of Fig. III, of a modified structure, the modification being in the latch which is designed to be released by hand. i i y In the drawing similar reference characters refer to similar parts` throughout the several views, and the sectionalv views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrowsat the ends of the section lines.

Referring to the drawing, the chair frame of the structure illustrated consists of rear posts l, and front posts 2 which are extended to yform the front and .rear legs ofthe chair. On the upper ends of the posts are arms 3. The posts are connected by side pieces 4, and the front` and rear crosspieces 5 and 6 respectively.` w l f The back is made up of side bars 7 connected by cross pieces 8. .The back is hinged `v to the rear post, the hinge connections con'- sisting of stud-like pivot members 9 mounted on vthe side pieces of the back and 'coacting-bearing members 10 on the'inner sides of the'rear posts 1. Themembers 1Q are stampings, the bearing portions being 'offset and slotted at 11 to receive the pivot studs. The pintles areflattened on one side so that they can be introduced through the slotsinto the'vbearings 10 -when presented'edgewise to the slots. of the back and also permits its removal.

`The seat 12 is provided'with a frame consisting of back piecel, front piece 14, and

connecting bottom piece 15. Cushion springs 16 are mounted on ythese bottom pieces and suitable'upholstering17 is supported by the springs. Theseat is pivoted within the chair frame, pintle members 18 This permits the ready mounting being mounted on the ends of the rear frame back comprise the tilting seat and the wedge-shaped cam 22 coacting therewith and suitably connected to the arm 31 projecting downwardly from the back through the slot in the horizontally disposed piece 24 extending between the front and rear frame pieces. At the forward end of the slot 23 is an upwardly inclined slide bearing for the cam. The adjustable stop 2bV limits the rear movement of the cam in the slot. The seat is provided with a cross piece 27 having a member 28 thereon resting on the cam.

The face 29 of the cam is preferably curved as shown. The cam is provided with an arm 30 connected to the arm 31 projecting downwardly from the back through the slot 23. This arm 31 is connected to the back by the bracket 32 which is provided 'with a downwardly projecting shank The bracket is secured to the under side oi' the lower cross piece oi the back. The arm 31 is ll-shaped in cross section and arranged with its upper end embracing the shank 33 and pivoted thereto at Sel. The removable pin 35 locks the arm in its eX- tended position.

The seat is retained in its normal or lowered position and the back locked in its normal or 'forward position by means of the catch 36 which is pivoted on the cross piece 27 of the frame to engage the keeper 38 on the horizontal-'piece 2st. The catch 36 pivoted at 37 is extended into a plate 36 which is engaged by a part of the cushion springs 16 which actuate the catch to its engaging position. lVhen the springs are compressed as by the weight of a person sitting on the cushion, the catch is released.

In the modification shown in Fig. IX, the latch 39 is mounted in clips 40 on the front side of the cross piece 27 and is provided with a finger piece 41 accessible at the side of thecushion. The catch is engaged by gravity.V The arm 31 is pivotally connected to the back so that it may be collapsed when the chair is packed for shippin g or storage. p

lith the parts arranged as pointed out` the chair may be automatically adjusted by the occupant to any position Within its scope and is retained in its adjusted position without special manipulation or locking means.

The face oi' the cam is preferably inclined forwardly and curved downwardly as shown as it is found that this-assists in returning the parts to their normal position.

I have illustrated and described my improved chair in detail in a simple and practical embodiment. My improvements are capable of very great variation in structural details without departing from my invention. I do vnot attempt to illustrate all the various modiiications which I contemplate as the disclosure made will enable those skilled in the art to which this invention relates to embody the same as conditions or taste may dictate. I desire to be understood as claiming my improvements specifically in the form illustrated as well as broadly within the scope of the appended claims.

laving thus described my invention, what I claim is new andv desire to secure by Letters Patent is: Y

1. In a chair, the combination with a chair frame, oi' an adjustable back pivotally mounted on said chair frame, a seat frame pivoted at its rear end to said chair frame `l'or tilting adjustment on its pivots, said seat iframe being supported by its pivots against longitudinal movement in the chair frame, the pivots for said back and seat being disposed adj acently and so that the lower end of the back overhangs the rear end of the seat, a horizontal piece having a longitudinal slot therein disposed on said chair frame centrally below said seat frame, there being a cam member bearing at the forward end of said slot, a downwardly projecting arm on said back, a cam member having a wedgeshaped cam arranged in said slot for longitudinal movement on said bearing and supported laterally by the edges of said slot, said cam member being provided with an arm rigid therewith and pivotally connected to said arm on said back, a cross bar on said seat iframe resting on said cam so that the seat is tilted and supported on its pivots and said cam when the cam member is moved longitudinally on its bearing by the movement of the back and the back is yieldingly retained in its adjusted positions7 cushion springs mounted on said seat frame, a catch pivotally mounted on said cross bar on said seat frame, and a keeper arranged on said horizontally disposed piece so that the catch engages therewith when the seat is in its normal position, said catch being actuated to its engaging position by said cushion springs and being disengaged by compressing said springs. as by the weight thereon of an occupant of the chair.

2. In a chair, the combination with a chair frame, of an adjustable back pivotally mounted on said chair frame, a seat pivoted at its rear end to said chair frame for tilting adjustment on its pivots, said seat being supported by its pivots against longitudinal movement in the chair frame, the pivots for said back and seat being disposed adjacently and so that the lower end of the back overhangs the rear end of the seat, a horizontal piece having a longitudinal slot therein disposed on said chair frame centrally below said seat frame, there being a cam member bearing at the forward end of said slot, a downwardly projecting arm on said back,

a cam member having a wedge-shaped cam arranged .in said slot for longitudinal movement on said bearing and supported laterally by the edges of said slot, said cam member being provided with an arm rigid therewith and pivotally connected to said arm on said back, a cross bar on said seat frame resting on said cam so that the seat is tilted and supported on its pivots and said cam when the cam member is moved longitudinally on its bearing by the movement of the back and the back is yieldingly retained in its adusted positions,

3. In a chair, the combination with a chair frame, of an adjustable back pivotally mounted on said chair frame, a seat pivoted at its rear end to said chair frame for tilting adjustment and so that the lower end ofthe back` and the rear end of the seat are in close proximity, said seat beingsupported by its pivots against longitudinal movement, a horizontal piece having a longitudinal slot therein disposed on said chair frame centrally below said seat, a downwardly projecting arm on said back, a longitudinally movable rearwardly inclined member arranged in said slot and pivotally secured to said arm, said member being provided with an upwardly facing cam rigid therewith the face ofthe cam being curved downwardly, and a bearing member on said seat frame resting on said cam whereby the cam is moved longitudinally on its bearing and the seat is tilted and supported on its pivots and said cam when the back is moved on its pivots from its normal position and the parts coact to retain the back in its adjusted position.

4. In a chai-r, the combination with a chair frame, of an adjustable back pivotally mounted on said chair frame, a seat pivoted at its rear end to said chair frame for tilting adjustment, a horizontal piece having a longitudinal slot therein disposed on said chair frame centrally below said seat frame, a downwardly projecting arm on said back, a longitudinally movable cam member arranged in said slot and pivotallv secured to said arm, and a bearing member on said seat frame resting on said cam member whereby the cam is moved longitudinally on its bearing and the seat is tilted on its pivots when the back is moved on its pivots and the parts coact to retain the back in its adjusted position.

5. In a chair, the combination with the chair frame, of an adjustable back pivotally mounted on said chair frame, a seat pivoted at its rear end to said chair frame for tilting adjustment and supported byits pivots against longitudinal movement, the pivots for the seat and back being disposed so that the rear end of the seat and the lower end of the back are in close proximity, a downwardly projecting arm on said back, a cam member disposed in a rearwardly inclined position and pivotally secured to said arm, said cam member being provided with an upwardly facing wedge-shaped cam having a downwardly curved face, a bearing by which the forward end of said cam member is supported for sliding and pivotal movement, and a member on said seat resting on said cam so that the seat is tilted on and supported by its pivots and said cam when the cam is moved from its normal position by the adjustment of the back and the back is retained in its. adjusted positions by the coaction of the seat and cam member therewith. i

`f5. In a chair, the ycombination with a chair frame, of anadjustable back pivotally mounted on said chair frame, a seat pivoted at its rear end to said chair frame for tilting adjustment, a downwardly projecting arm on said baclna cam member provided with a wedge-shaped cam pivotally secured to said arm, a supporting bearing for the forward -end of said cam member, yand a member on said seat resting on said cam so that the seat is tilted on and supported by its pivots and said cam when the cam is moved fromv its normal position by the adjustment of the back and the back is retained in its adjusted positions by the coaction of the seat and cam member therewith. 7. In a chair, the combination with a chair frame, of an adjustableback pivotally mounted on said chair frame, a seat pivoted at its rear end to said chairframe for tilting adjustment, said seat lbeing supported against longitudinal movement, a cam member having a wedge-shaped cam rigid therewith, a bearing bywhich the front end of said cam member is supported for sliding and pivotal movement, -a downwardly pro- 1' jecting arm on said backv pivotally secured to the rear end of said cam4 member whereby when the back is moved rearwardly on its pivot the cam member is moved forwardly and its rear end raised and vice versa, and a member on said seat in front of its pivots resting on said cam so that as the cam member is moved forwardly by the rearward movement of the back the seaty is simultaneously tilted on its pivots, all

coacting for the purpose specified.

8. In a chair, the combination with a chair frame, of an adjustable back mounted on said chair frame, a tilting seat, operating connections for said back and seat whereby they are simultaneously adjusted, al catch on said seat, a coacting keeper on said frame, and cushion springs for said seat disposed to actuate said catch to its engaging position, said catch being disengaged by compressing said springs, as by lthe weight thereon of an occupant of the chair.

9. In a chair, the combination with the frame, of a hinged adjustable back, a tiltlio ing seat, means for adjustably supporting said back comprising said tilting seat, a cushion for said seat, a keeper on said frame, and a coacting catch on said seat arranged to be actuated to its engaging position by said cushion and to be disengaged by weight or pressure on the cushion.

10. In a chair, the combination with the frame, of an adjustable back comprising side and cross pieces, means for adjustably supporting said back comprising a bracket secured to the under side of the bottom cross piece and provided with a downwardly projecting shank, an arm U-shaped in cross section, arranged with its upper end embracing said shank and pivoted thereto, and a pin arranged through said arm to engage said shank, whereby the arm is supported in its extended position.

1l. In a chair, the combination with the frame, of an adjustable back, means for adjustably supporting said back comprising naiv/,ero-

a bracket secured to said back and provided with a downwardly projecting shank, an

arm U-shaped in cross section, arranged with its upper end embracing said shank and pivoted thereto, and a pin arranged through said arm to engage said shank, whereby the arm is supported in its eX- tended position.

l2. In a chair, the combination with the frame, oi an adjustable back, means for adjustably supporting said back compris ing` a bracket secured to said back, and an arm pivotally secured to said bracket and provided with means for locking it in its extended position.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses.

MARTIN L. CRQMER. [ns] l/Vitnesses JAY J. STANTON, Conn CROMER.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Eatents,

Washington, D. C. 

